Black-naped monarch (Hypothymis azurea)

And because this bird so blue, the world is that much more beautiful! Also known as the black-naped blue flycatcher, the black-naped monarch is simply one of the most adorable birds a birder can see and photograph on our Photo Tour to Thattekad.

This little nimble passerine bird belongs to the monarch flycatchers family, and is found in the thick forests and wooded habitats of south-eastern and southern Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Philippines and Indonesia.

The black-naped blue flycatcher hunts by flycatching. It is insectivorous. The nape feathers of this little avian wonder are lifted into a pointed crest when it is alert or is alarmed. Its call is known to be similar to that of the Asian paradise flycatcher call.

The black-naped blue flycatcher gets is name because of the distinctive black patch on the back of the male’s head, and for this adorable feature, it is our Animal of the Week!